As the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) warns that continuous heatwaves could drive food prices up, UK Debt Expert has shared six simple ways for families to save money on their rising food shop bill.
While food price inflation steadied in June compared to May, food and drink manufacturers can’t afford to absorb all the extra costs of yields and supplies affected by the drought.
With staples like wheat, fruit and vegetables at risk, experts warn that the true impact of this hot weather could hit supermarket shelves in the coming months.
6 tips to manage food costs
For families already juggling increased costs of living, the idea of a fresh foodflation hitting the nation can be stressful.
To help households stretch their budgets, Maxine McCreadie, a spokesperson at UK Debt Expert, has shared six practical tips to cut down on food costs, from batch cooking meals in advance to the “golden” times to hunt for yellow sticker items.
1. Batch cooking and freezing
“Batch cooking is one of the most efficient ways to make the most of the food shop. Preparing hearty meals in advance that can be frozen and reheated throughout the week means you’ll be relying less on expensive last-minute supermarket trips.
“Freezing perishable items before their use-by date can also help you reduce food waste and save money in the long run.”
2. Savvy yellow sticker hunting
“The classic hunt for yellow sticker items can be a tricky one to navigate if you aren’t aware of the “golden” times to shop.
“Some supermarkets often need to throw away items on a Sunday due to an early closing time, so make sure to head down around 3pm to get the best deals. A weekday evening can also be a great opportunity to bag a bargain with chilled food and bakery items typically reduced around 8pm.”
3. Check supermarkets and cafes offering discounted meals
“Check online via social media for information on the supermarkets offering free or cheap meals for kids over the summer holidays.
“For example, ASDA cafes are continuing to offer the “Kids eat for £1” deal, where children under 16 can receive a hot or cold meal for just £1, including a free piece of fruit.”
4. Use the Great British Summer Savings scheme
“The Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme is another way to get a deal on a meal out, with VAT cuts on restaurants allowing meals to be sold at a discounted rate.
“Places such as Pizza Express, Harvester and Nandos are taking part in the scheme, as well as a number of attractions across the country to enjoy a cheaper day out over the summer.”
5. Utilise loyalty cards
“Compare supermarket loyalty schemes to see which ones offer the best discounts and promotions to help reduce your food bill.
“Many supermarkets also provide app-exclusive offers and personalised discounts that aren’t always advertised in store; whether it’s 20% off an item or points towards a freebie, it’s also worth checking the app regularly to make the most of the available savings.”
6. Check the price-per-unit of shelf items
“Larger packs don’t always offer better value. Checking the price per gram or per item can help shoppers make more informed decisions and avoid paying more than necessary.
“It’s easy to assume bigger means better value, but that’s not always the case. Looking at unit pricing is one of the simplest ways to make sure you’re getting the best deal!”
“Prolonged heat has put pressure on crop supplies”
“This summer has been a scorcher, and while many Brits have enjoyed basking in the sun, the intense and prolonged heat has put pressure on crop supplies,” Maxine added.
“The public is already being warned about potential crop shortages, which could ultimately lead to more competition for certain items and an inevitable rise in food prices in the new year.
“Many families are already feeling the burden of rising prices across all areas of their lives, meaning any extra jump in weekly supermarket totals will be felt massively.
“However, there are simple ways to make your budget stretch further. Planning meals, making the most of discounts and being savvy with supermarket offers can all help to reduce unnecessary spending without compromising on quality or variety.
“By making the most of discounts and strategic shopping habits, families can ease some of the financial pressure that comes with the new risk of heatwave foodflation, so they won’t have to feel such a tight crunch on their weekly food shop expenses.”
